Comfort Aspects Research Articles

Pendampingan Sanitasi Total Berbasis Masyarakat melalui Gerakan Toilet Sekolah Ramah Anak di SD Muhammadiyah Balayuda Palembang

Healthy schools are something that is very necessary in creating a healthy and strong generation, one of which is toilet conditions. Adequate toilets, both in terms of number, appearance and facilities, have a significant impact on students' psychology. The aim of this community service is to increase school students' knowledge of using toilets and create child-friendly toilets. The implementation method is carried out by counseling using poster media and evaluation to determine the success of education for school children. At the end of the activity, the service team provided equipment for the school toilet, namely trash boxes with lids, hand washing soap, toilet tissue and slippers. The results of the activity were carried out on November 18 2023 in the Muhammadiyah Balayudha High School building in Palembang, attended by 20 grade 11 students. The material presented outlined 10 indicators of healthy toilets in terms of number, appearance and facilities including clean, bright, available tissue and soap, fragrant, dry, available running water, not slippery, available trash box, larva-free water tank. Participants were enthusiastic about taking part in this activity because each class in their school was equipped with toilet facilities. The conclusion of this activity is good information and input for the school in maintaining student health, it is necessary to pay attention to aspects of toilet cleanliness and comfort.

Toward configuring healthier classrooms: developing indoor environmental quality assessment indicators

ABSTRACT Classrooms serve as essential indoor environments for students, as they spend a significant portion of their developmental years within them. This has prompted a critical set of questioning of these indoor environments, presenting the emergence of understanding how they affect health and comfort, as well as the importance of assessing these effects. Currently, one of the most advantageous methods of assessment is the Green building Rating Tools (GBRTs). There is an abundance of rating tools that aid in assessing the performance of many types of buildings’ Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). However, maintaining a healthy classroom environment (HCE) necessitates the integration of health and comfort aspects alongside any classroom assessment process. Thus, the primary aim of the current research was to identify the definition of HCE attributes. Moreover, the research aims to detect areas that are yet to be considered or need more attention of the current IEQ assessment indicators, regarding promoting and assessing any classroom environmental healthiness. This was done by revisiting and delving into the IEQ-health-comfort relation, and, moreover, analyzing the attributes which verify the healthiness of a classroom environment and indicators which are traditionally employed to assess IEQ within existing rating systems. A comparative analysis methodology was used to identify key indicators, commons and correlations, in order to determine the extent of compatibility and differences. This analysis has resulted in a new list of 60 composite assessment indicators that concentrate on the health and comfort aspects, referred to as HCE indicators, a step toward healthier classrooms.

The safety and comfort of football stadiums in Indonesia: an analysis based on spectator perspectives

This research aims to analyze the aspects of safety and comfort in Indonesian football stadiums. This analytical survey research was conducted in three stadiums in Indonesia that have FIFA standards and are always used in national or international matches to analyze and describe the factors of security and comfort variables. There were five stages in this study: the first stage was observation, the second stage was collecting evidence of scientific articles, the third stage was instrument validation with focus group discussion (FGD), the fourth stage was data collection, and the fifth stage was research reporting with scientific articles. Then, there were six dimensions of the survey category, namely Stadium Construction, Physical Security, Social Security, Communication and Coordination, Recommendations and Feedback, and Clarity to the Spectators. The initial identification results were 3,090 spectators, 2,408 men and 682 women. They were aged 14 – 47 years, averaging 23.66±7.2 years. The number of visits to the stadium in one year was two to six times. The spectators’ experience in visiting different stadiums was two to seven stadiums. The following result, the Kruskal-Wallis test, showed the Asymp. The sig value was 0.319>0.05, meaning there was no difference in answers based on the spectators visiting the three stadiums. The publication of this study can provide valid and clear information insights to stadium managers to pay more attention and strive to provide the best service to football spectators. Because indirectly, supporters who watch the match will provide greater moral support to the football team.

The use of photobioreactors in façades for decarbonization process

The paper deals with the application of microalgae in building’s façade, regard to the broader project comprising the aspects of the environmental comfort of academic spaces and the energy consumption with on-grid photovoltaic generation, as well as the investigation of alternatives for the improvement of the performance of the building envelopes. Thus, its main objective is the application of interdisciplinary concepts involving Architecture and Biotechnology, as known by Black Ecologies, referring to an investigative interest to explore a new approach of nature, not only related to architectural space, but an emergent environmental focus. This relationship is performed by using photobioreactors with microalgae, installed on the façades of buildings for educational use. The present work presents the methodological outline of the research, based on literature review and case studies; complementary experimental methodologies are also presented to contextualize the subject and its application and feasibility. The current state of art showed an emergent approach in terms of international level, but in the Brazilian context any further research was identified yet. In addition to thermal and energy performance, the strategies will allow the process of sequestration of carbon dioxide and other GHG (greenhouse gases) that impacts on the process of climate change and can contribute to reach the sustainable development. This subject coincides with the discussions of the 2050 scenarios and emission reduction, which were faced at the recent COP-27 and its connections with an integrative way to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Towards a simplified model for partially open windows - connecting acoustic and thermal comfort

Traditionally, the internal environmental quality (IEQ) aspects of acoustic and thermal comfort have been considered and designed separately. However, where occupants rely on opening or closing windows to achieve these dimensions, they are not independent in use. To consider both simultaneously, it is crucial to have a simple model of a partially open window that can predict both acoustic and thermal conditions internally. CIBSE TM59 defines the assessment method for adaptive thermal comfort. In the thermal model the ventilation performance of open windows can be described with an "Equivalent Area" (EA). We propose to use the EA to calculate the facade sound insulation based on a simple assessment according to Annex D of ISO 12354-3, i.e. as a facade element with an area of EA and zero sound insulation. This study presents field measurements of sound insulation according to ISO 16283-3 with road traffic sound sources, to evaluate the acoustic uncertainty of using the EA to calculate internal sound levels. Results show encouraging correlation between measurements of element-normalized level difference, Dn,e,w + Ctr and calculations based on the EA. This model is considered adequate for acoustic design purposes, and represents a significant simplification compared with previous proposals.

Comprehensive evaluation on wearing and hearing comfort of over-ear headphones based on adjustable clamping force

Headphones are wearable devices that directly contact the human body. Ergonomics focuses on the wearing comfort associated with clamping force, which is closely related to the user's tactile perception. Additionally, as auditory input terminal devices, headphones should also encompass the aspect of hearing comfort. Theoretically, slight and uneven clamping force may cause noise exposure, subsequently influencing hearing comfort. Conversely, an overloaded clamping force, while aiming to improve hearing conditions, may introduce discomfort for the wearer. Therefore, the current work concerns the interplay between wearing and hearing comfort. In this study, four loudspeakers placed around a listener in a sound insulation room render a stable noise environment. A dynamometer mounted on a horizontal track radially supplies specific clamping force on the two earmuffs of an over-ear headphone worn by the listener. Simultaneously, a comfort questionnaire was employed to investigate users' subjective perceptions of wearing and hearing comfort under various clamping forces. These results could provide a valuable reference for the design and evaluation of over-ear headphones.

Application of Design Thinking Method in Designing the User Interface Prototype for the Website of the Informatics Engineering Study Program at Dian Nuswantoro University

In today's era, with the rapid development of technology such as the internet, human work can be significantly aided. This advancement positively impacts the education sector in terms of teaching, learning, and information dissemination. This development increases the use of websites, making the user interface an essential aspect of user comfort. The website of the Informatics Engineering study program at Dian Nuswantoro University has some deficiencies in its user interface. Therefore, the researcher has designed a user interface prototype to facilitate user interaction with the website, using the design thinking method. The designed user interface prototype is expected to address existing problems, meet user needs, and enhance campus services.

Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected travellers’ willingness to wait with real-time crowding information?

Travel preferences in public transport (PT) have been substantially affected by the COVID-19 crisis, with rising emphasis on on-board safety and comfort aspects. Hence, real-time crowding information (RTCI) might have become even more instrumental in supporting travel decisions in congested urban PT systems. This study investigates the willingness to wait (WTW) to reduce (or avoid) overcrowding with RTCI in urban PT (bus and tram) journeys, analysing pre- vs. post-COVID travel behaviour attitudes. Stated-preference data and (subsequently estimated) choice models indicate that, while the pre-COVID WTW was primarily driven by mere possibility to avoid an overcrowded first departure, the post-COVID propensity to wait is strongly associated with expectations of seat availability in second departure as well. The ex-post WTW with RTCI seems to have become less-dependent on individual characteristics and more prominent for time-critical (obligatory) trips as well. Our findings underpin the rising relevance of passenger overcrowding in urban PT journeys. Moreover, they help better understand the potential of RTCI in post-pandemic recovery of PT ridership.

Scientific benchmarking: Engineering quality evaluation of electric vehicle concepts

We present a simulation tool that utilizes advanced modeling techniques to quantify the customer-relevant features of different battery electric vehicles (BEV) concepts. By incorporating comprehensive longitudinal and lateral dynamics analyses, the tool provides an in-depth understanding of passenger vehicle concepts in various driving conditions. Furthermore, the tool emphasizes evaluating comfort, presenting a holistic view concluding into the overall driving experience. Metrics considering the vehicle’s packaging are employed to assess the comfort aspects of the concepts. Implementing this simulation tool achieves a more systematic and reliable approach to evaluating BEV concepts. The application based on the parameters of 18 state-of-the-art BEV proved its compliance in the presented categories with the results of physical tests performed by reputable magazines with great experience and comprehensice test protocols. Its academic foundation ensures the utilization of state-of-the-art methodologies and the integration of the latest research findings in vehicle dynamics and comfort. This simulation tool offers automotive engineers, researchers, and industry stakeholders a valuable resource for objectively assessing and benchmarking the performance and comfort aspects of BEV concepts. With its ability to provide accurate evaluations and reasoning for weaknesses, this tool has the potential to significantly contribute to the advancement and optimization of future electric vehicle designs by assessing concepts in early development stages before physical prototypes are available, allowing for cost-efficient modifications.

Building Performance Strategy to Achieve Thermal Comfort on Post-Disaster Design

Purpose: This study is a development of previous studies that focused on testing building performance from the aspect of building comfort. A house is a place to live that is used daily that must meet the needs of the occupants' thermal comfort which is greatly influenced by environmental and building conditions, such as natural lighting, air flow, and thermal performance as well as the conditions of the building's orientation layout and space openings. To determine the thermal performance of a building, it is necessary to conduct several analyses of several parameters of air temperature, air circulation and thermal conditions that occur in buildings in several conditions of building layout or orientation and openings made. Theoretical reference: Adaptive buildings are buildings that have adaptation to external environmental conditions, occupant needs and building operational conditions with the aim of increasing energy efficiency, comfort and sustainability. These adaptive buildings are able to provide a more comfortable environment, flexible and efficient space by maximizing natural ventilation and using building materials that function as insulation against temperature and solar radiation. Method: To determine the thermal comfort conditions of the building, it is necessary to conduct several tests on several parameters, such as natural lighting, air flow, and thermal performance using several analyzes such as solar analysis, air movement analysis and thermal analysis of the planned building prototype with several alternative building orientations. To test the thermal performance of the building, solar analysis and thermal analysis are carried out using Revit-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Results and Conclusions: The results of the study showed that the influence of building orientation and opening placement patterns will produce several different thermal performances. And the optimal results obtained from this adaptive strategy were that the optimal heat generated caused heat generation in the envelope of 0.76 kW/m2, meaning that by considering the heat transfer value of the building envelope not exceeding 35 W/m2 (SNI 6389:2020), a wall envelope made of 10 cm thick calciboard with air holes was used to withstand the rate of heat flow into the room. Research implications: As part of the adaptive building context that supports the field of knowledge and practice in the fields of architecture, engineering and the environment, it has positive implications related to the flexibility of spatial arrangement to adjust to the needs of occupants' space, the use of more efficient and environmentally friendly building technology and materials according to the needs of adaptive buildings, and the adjustment of natural ventilation strategies according to local climate potential. Originality/value: The components that distinguish this research from previous research can be seen from the various approaches and innovations carried out by the author, namely: Adaptive Design Method: developing the functionality of spatial arrangements in post-disaster residential buildings that apply the principles of spatial efficiency and arrangement to improve more dynamic relationships between spaces and their relationships with the surrounding environment. Use of New and Data-based Technology: applying new technology in ways to monitor and control the quality of space with the surrounding environment that affects it in real-time. Using technology applications for data analysis, modeling and predicting the performance of post-disaster residential buildings according to environmental and building parameters that affect them, and using big data analysis to understand the thermal behavior of buildings to optimize building design and operations.

Neural correlates of distress and comfort in individuals with avoidant, anxious and secure attachment style: an fMRI study

ABSTRACT Despite a growing literature, experiments directly related to attachment are still needed. We explored brain processes involved in two aspects of attachment, distress and comfort. Seventy-eight healthy adult males with different attachment styles (secure, avoidant, and anxious) viewed distress, comfort, complicity-joy and neutral images (picture database BAPS-Adult) in an fMRI block design. ROIs from the modules described in the functional Neuro-Anatomical Model of Attachment (Long et al. 2020) were studied. Secure participants used more co- and self-regulation strategies and exhibited a higher activation of the reward network in distress and comfort viewing, than insecure participants. Avoidant participants showed the lower brain activations. Their approach and reward modules were the least activated in distress and comfort. Anxious participants presented both higher activations of the approach and aversion modules during complicity-joy. In addition, comfort and complicity-joy were processed differently according to attachment styles and should be differentiated among positive stimuli to disentangle attachment processes.

Sustainability beyond the surface: Evaluating the long-term environmental and energy performance of selected cladding materials for housing retrofits

External walls, constituting the largest exposed surface area of the building envelope, face heightened susceptibility to environmental influences. In this study location, aesthetic con- siderations often overshadow environmental impact and comfort requirements in selecting exterior cladding materials. This paper investigates the energy performance, global warming potential, and thermal comfort aspects of carefully selected cladding materials, informed by an exhaustive literature review, for application in retrofit projects in Abuja, Nigeria. Energy con- sumption, carbon emissions, and temperature distributions were simulated using materials in a hypothetical single-floor residential building finished with cement-sand plaster. The findings show that gravel stone exhibits the most negligible environmental impact. In contrast, alumi- num and lightweight metal cladding panels contribute significantly to the embodied carbon of the building despite ranking as the most expensive materials. Insulating the test building with polyurethane boards yields substantial energy savings of up to 9% in cooling electricity, averting the need for added cladding. This study emphasizes the significance of adopting a multi-criterion approach in selecting façade cladding materials, prioritizing environmental and thermal considerations over aesthetic and cost benefits. The implications extend beyond mere emissions reduction, shedding light on the vital interplay between material choices on comfort and energy efficiency in building design.

Assessing the multidimensional comfort of earplugs in virtual industrial noise environments

Earplugs’ comfort is primarily evaluated through cost-effective laboratory evaluations, yet these evaluations often inadequately capture the multidimensional comfort aspects due to design limitations that do not replicate real-world conditions. This paper introduces a novel laboratory method for comprehensive assessment of the multidimensional comfort aspects of earplugs, combining questionnaire-based evaluations and objective perceptual tests within virtual industrial sound environments replicating in-situ noise exposure. Objective perceptual results confirm that the sound environment affect participants’ ability to detect alarms in a noisy environment and comprehend speech-in-noise while wearing earplugs. Subjective questionnaire results reveal that the earplugs family has an effect on the primary attributes of the acoustical, physical and functional comfort’s dimension. Participants reported the physical dimension as the most important factor they take into account when evaluating earplugs’ comfort. The functional dimension was considered the second most important factor by the participants, followed by the psychological dimension, and the acoustical dimension.

Evaluation of Thermal Comfort Online Simulation Tools Usage Through Distance Education Process in an Applied Graduate Course

Through Covid 19 pandemic, education field has experienced mandatory transition to distant education. The case study held in Indoor Comfort Management postgraduate course. In order to examine how direct sunlight affects the adaptive thermal comfort of the user, simulations were made with online tools to evaluate thermal comfort within the scope this course at Yaşar University. The SolarCal and ComfTool of CBE online tools are used. This article aims to question the contribution of online simulation tools to education via a questionnaire given to students to grasp aspects of adaptive thermal comfort. The use of these aforementioned online tools and formulas can enrich studies and draw conclusions in limited facilities for professionals especially for architectural and engineering industries. The results of the survey will be analyzed to ensure the applicability of such a methodology in similar learning environments for easy understanding of the various adaptive thermal comfort indices at once.

Road–Rail Intermodal Travel Mode Choice Behavior Considering Attitude Factors

Road–rail intermodal transportation (RRIT) leverages the advantages of multiple transport modes and is crucial for addressing the current issue of imbalanced development in the transportation sector. However, passengers’ behavior in choosing RRIT remains unclear, and it is necessary to optimize travel service quality through analyzing RRIT choice behavior based on user perceptions. This study designed a stated preference experiment that included both direct and multi-modal travel options. A hybrid choice model considering attitude variables was constructed, and four latent attitude variables—convenience, economy, comfort, and riskiness—were extracted to analyze their impact on intercity travel mode choice behavior under conditions of ticket booking uncertainty. The results revealed that the ticket booking success rate is a critical factor in travelers’ decision-making. Passengers tend to choose travel options with higher ticket booking success rates, even if it entails a slight increase in the ticket prices for the high-speed rail to high-speed rail transfer option. The attitude variables significantly influence intercity travel mode choice behavior, with travelers generally exhibiting a preference for risk avoidance in their travel options. Moreover, there are differences among various groups of travelers in their preferences and demands for the convenience, economy, and comfort aspects of travel options. These research findings can enhance our understanding of the key factors influencing the selection of RRIT services, thereby supporting RRIT designers and planners in improving service quality and facilitating the future growth of RRIT.

Lower Back & Comfortability Analysis of Driving Posture to Mitigate Musculoskeletal Disorders: An Ergonomics Study using Digital Human Modelling in JACK Software

In this paper, the crucial aspect of driver comfort was explored by investigating the prevailing driving postures among individuals, aiming to discern their ergonomic implications and ascertain whether the commonly adopted postures are conducive to musculoskeletal health or pose potential risks. From the last decade vehicle like cars have become one of the common modes of personal transport. Car has high relevance in day-to-day activities like commuting, economic activities and sports etc. The continuous driving of vehicle can lead the driver prone to musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain, spine injury and posture issues. This study is conducted to address the ergonomic aspects of posture of the driver to highlight the risk of Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and to optimize the driving posture. Lower Back Analysis (LBA) and Comfortability Analysis is performed in JACK Software to analyze the driving posture. A DHM (Digital Human Model) is created in JACK Simulation Software according to the collected anthropometric data of an average Pakistani man. A virtual Environment is created in JACK Simulation Software. The posture of the subject is analyzed by taking measurements of the subject’s angle of joints when they are sitting in a driving posture. For Ergonomic Analysis the Driving Posture is evaluated on JACK software to Mitigate Musculoskeletal Disorders. Results show that the subject is having low back compression force of 672 which is below the NIOSH Back Compression Action Limit of 3400N representing a nominal risk of low back injury.

Study of The Comfort of Glamping Tourism Supporting Facilities in The Ciwidey Tourism Area, Bandung Regency, West Java

Camping is one of the activities that interact directly with nature; besides that, camping can build intimacy with the people around us. Camping with comfortable facilities, commonly called Glamour Camping or abbreviated by the term Glamping, is a luxury camping that is a favourite of the world community, including Indonesia. Bandung Regency, especially Ciwidey, has a lot of natural potentials, one of which is Camping Site pine trees, lakes, tea and coffee plantations. Various activities that can be done in the Ciwidey Tourism Area include camping, outbound, water sports, and sightseeing. However, there are not many studies that specifically explore the comfort aspects of tourist support facilities, especially for the Glamping Tourism typology. The purpose of this study is to determine and identify the comfort aspects of Glamping Tourism supporting facilities in the Ciwidey Tourism Area, Bandung Regency, West Java. The method used in this research is a descriptive method with a qualitative approach involving 2 (two) variables, namely the actual condition of tourism and comfort & cleanliness. Data collection techniques were carried out through field observation, documentation studies, and questionnaires. The data collected was then analyzed descriptively and also used SWOT analysis with supporting data from the results of the tourist questionnaire. The results of the analysis of this study concluded that - Tourist responses to glamping tourism facilities in terms of physical conditions show that the available facilities are quite good, but there is still a need for a development strategy for glamping tourism facilities in the wider tourist area by maintaining facilities and maintaining glamping tourism facilities in terms of quality and quantity, collaborating with many parties, following the development of tourism trends.

Development of ergo-refined operator's workplace and biophysically actual cost-benefit analysis of riding type self-propelled machines with special reference for female operators.

Female agricultural workers contribute to 37% of the total agricultural workforce in India, however, most self-propelled machinery is designed for male agricultural workers. The primary objective was to determine the impact of the ergo-refined operator's workplace on various aspects of operator performance and comfort, including actuating force, posture, and physiological parameters. Experiments were carried out in real field conditions using a full factorial randomized design. Twelve female operators participated in the study, and measurements were taken for control lever actuating force, operator posture, heart rate, and other relevant parameters. The ergo-refined operator's workplace intervention resulted in significant reductions in actuating force for various control levers, angles of joints, working heart rate (WHR), oxygen consumption rate (OCR), muscle load, and whole-body vibration (WBV) acceleration. These reductions were observed under different operating conditions. The findings suggest that the ergo-refined operator's workplace is effective in enhancing operator comfort and reducing physical strain during the operation of riding type self-propelled machines. It contributes to improved safety, comfort, and operational efficiency for operators working in field conditions. ANOVA and MANOVA analyses confirmed the positive impact of operating conditions and engine speed on the measured parameters when using the ergo-refined operator's workplace.

Evaluasi Kelayakan dan Faktor Penggunaan Jembatan Penyeberangan Orang (JPO)

The availability of pedestrian bridge facilities is very necessary for the safety of pedestrian crossings in minimizing the risk of accidents. One of the pedestrian bridge facilities in Kupang City is on Jl. Ahmad Yani District. Old town. The level of feasibility and use of this footbridge is considered inadequate so it is necessary to evaluate the feasibility and factors of use of this footbridge. The method used is the method for determining crossing facilities according to Bina Marga standards to determine the suitability of pedestrian bridge facilities and the AHP method for determining factors in the use of pedestrian bridge. The results of the pedestrian bridge’s feasibility analysis show that the facilities required according to the calculation results are a zebra crossing with school safety zone (ZoSS) equipment, whereas based on a geometric review of the pedestrian bridge the safety and comfort aspects do not meet the requirements. The results of the analysis of respondents' answers regarding factors in using pedestrian bridge showed that 89% of respondents used pedestrian bridge for trial and error reasons and 50% of respondents answered that they did not use pedestrian bridge s because of construction constraints. Using AHP analysis, the factor that most influences the use of footbridges is the comfort factor (distance from the center of activity) with a distribution weight of 50%, followed by the comfort factor (lighting) with a distribution weight of 32%, then the safety factor (roof availability) with a distribution weight of 12% and finally the safety factor (bridge construction) with a distribution weight of 6%.

Influence of Thermal Comfort on Energy Consumption for Building Occupants: The Current State of the Art

Thermal comfort is a complex issue in the built environment due to the physiological and psychological differences of each individual in a building. There is a growing worry over the environmental implications of energy use as a result of the warming of the global climate and the growth in the number of instances of extreme weather events. Many review articles have been written, but these reviews have focused on a specific aspect of occupant behavior and thermal comfort. To research the trends of thermal comfort and energy, this research adopted mixed reviews, i.e., quantitative and qualitative, to understand the state-of-the-art factors affecting the thermal comfort of occupants concerning energy, different occupant modeling approaches, functions, and limitations. The in-depth qualitative discussion provides deeper insights into the impacts of occupant behaviors, factors affecting thermal comfort, and occupant behavior modeling approaches. This study classified occupant behaviors into five categories: occupant characteristics, perceptions of the occupant, realistic behaviors, heat gain, and occupant interactions with the system. It also went further to classify the factors affecting the thermal comfort of users based on past works of literature. These include structural, environmental, and human factors. It was concluded that factors that have the most significant impact on energy are human, structural, and environmental factors, respectively. In addition, most of the occupant behavior modeling approaches that have been used in past studies have pros and cons and cannot accurately predict human behaviors because they are stochastic. Future research should be conducted on thermal comfort for different building functions by examining the varied activity intensity levels of users, especially in educational or commercial buildings. Additionally, a proper investigation should be carried out on how thermal insulation of structural members influences thermal comfort. These should be compared in two similar buildings to understand occupant behavioral actions and energy consumption.